SA · Expiry & renewal tracking
Keep every Saudi work permit valid
Saudi establishments issue and renew work permits for expatriate workers on Qiwa (HRSD), and the permit is a condition for issuing or renewing the iqama. Renewal opens when 180 days or less remain, a new worker needs a permit within 90 days of entry, and no permit is issued while the establishment is in the red zone.
In Saudi Arabia, establishments issue and renew work permits for their expatriate workers electronically on Qiwa, the platform of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). According to HRSD, the work permit is one of the conditions for issuing or renewing a regular residence permit (iqama).
HRSD states that an establishment may renew a work permit when 180 days or less remain before it expires, and must issue a work permit within the first 90 days after the worker enters the Kingdom. Permits cannot be issued or renewed while the establishment is in the red zone.
On 30 June 2026 HRSD extended until 31 December 2026 the grace period to correct the status of expatriate workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago, and of workers without a work permit more than 6 months after joining the establishment. HRSD warns that if the status is not corrected in time, the prescribed statutory procedures will apply.
At a glance
| Issued through | Qiwa (Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) |
|---|---|
| Renewal opens | When 180 days or less remain before expiry |
| New worker | Work permit within the first 90 days after entering the Kingdom |
| Establishment in the red zone | Permits cannot be issued or renewed |
| Correction grace period | Until 31 December 2026, for permits expired more than 12 months and workers without a permit more than 6 months after joining |
| Who pays | The employer pays work permit and residence fees and their renewal |
Who is responsible?
The employer. The establishment applies for issuance and renewal on Qiwa, and HRSD's awareness guide lists residence and work permit fees and their renewal among the employer's costs.
If the deadline passes
HRSD has given establishments until 31 December 2026 to correct the status of expatriate workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago, or who have had no work permit for more than 6 months after joining. After that date HRSD says the prescribed statutory procedures will apply. Check Qiwa for the rules that apply to your establishment.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each expatriate employee and record the expiry date of their work permit.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day, all inside the 180-day renewal window.
- Assign a responsible person (for example HR or your Qiwa user) for each permit so the right person gets the reminder.
- If a permit passes its expiry date, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- Ask for the renewed permit through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.
- Emails arrive in each recipient's language, Arabic included.
Frequently asked questions
- When can a Saudi work permit be renewed?
- When 180 days or less remain before it expires (HRSD).
- When must a new expatriate worker get a work permit?
- Within the first 90 days after entering the Kingdom (HRSD).
- What is the grace period until 31 December 2026?
- HRSD extended until 31 December 2026 the period to correct the status of expatriate workers whose work permits expired more than 12 months ago, and of workers without a permit more than 6 months after joining the establishment.
- Can a work permit be cancelled after it is issued or renewed?
- No. HRSD states that a work permit cannot be cancelled after it has been issued or renewed.
Sources
- HRSD: Issue and Renew Work Permit service (conditions and FAQ)
- HRSD news: grace period to correct work permit status extended to 31 December 2026
- HRSD: Awareness Guide on the Rights and Duties of Employers and Workers (PDF)
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for labour card (Saudi Arabia)
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Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each labour card (Saudi Arabia) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each labour card (Saudi Arabia) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.